Ascent of Pinta Benchmark on 1993-11-13

Ascent Trip Report

This peak is in the Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge and a permit is required for entry. An often used approach is from the north through the Barry M. Goldwater Range. A permit from the Cabeza Prieta Refuge will allow access through the Goldwater Range. Information on permits is at my site:http://www.peakbagging.com/BMGR.html

The Sierra Pinta is a 20 mile long range of mountains in the central part of the Cabeza Prieta Wildlife Refuge. The most direct driving route is to drive south from Tacna. On Interstate 8 east of Yuma use exit 42 in Tacna. This is Ave. 40E which runs north and south. On the south side of the Interstate take the unmarked dirt frontage road that goes along the fence and then heads east. Take this wide, graded dirt road east for 6.0 miles and then turn right. There is a sign here indicating the start of the Barry M. Goldwater Air Force Range. Reset your odometer at the turn and head south on this road across the broad Mohawk Valley. After 23.1 miles there is a sign marking the Refuge boundary. Continue straight ahead on the road which narrows and becomes more sandy where four-wheel drive may be needed. At 31.8 miles there is a sign on the left marking the road to Heart Tank. Park here at the sign which indicates this is a management road which is not to be driven without special permission from the Refuge. The summit is visible in the distance on a bearing of 107 degrees. Hike this flat road for 7.7 miles to where it ends in a canyon. In the canyon, just before reaching Heart Tank, go to the right up a boulder-filled canyon which will lead to the ridge north of the summit. Follow the ridge south to the high point. The elevation gain from the canyon near Heart Tank is 1750 ft. Allow about 9 to 10 hours for the 17 mile round-trip hike. A mountain bike would be ideal on the long, flat appoach to the mountain. 10/93 RLC